Navy Awards $11M to Aktarius LLC for XLUUV Engineering and Logistics Support

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $11,012,064 ($11.0M)

Contractor: Aktarius LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Defense

Start Date: 2024-06-14

End Date: 2026-01-16

Contract Duration: 581 days

Daily Burn Rate: $19.0K/day

Competition Type: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Defense

Official Description: ENGINEERING AND LOGISTICS SUPPORT TO PROVIDE EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES TO SUPPORT XLUUV GOVERNMENT T&E EVENTS, IN-WATER TEST SUPPORT VESSEL CHARTERS, DELIVERY OF PSE, AND VEHICLE T&E PREPARATION ACTIVITIES.

Place of Performance

Location: PORT HUENEME CBC BASE, VENTURA County, CALIFORNIA, 93043

State: California Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Defense obligated $11.0 million to AKTARIUS LLC for work described as: ENGINEERING AND LOGISTICS SUPPORT TO PROVIDE EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES TO SUPPORT XLUUV GOVERNMENT T&E EVENTS, IN-WATER TEST SUPPORT VESSEL CHARTERS, DELIVERY OF PSE, AND VEHICLE T&E PREPARATION ACTIVITIES. Key points: 1. Contract awarded to Aktarius LLC for critical XLUUV program support. 2. Significant funding allocated for government test and evaluation events. 3. Limited competition raises questions about optimal pricing and value. 4. Focus on engineering and logistics highlights the complexity of advanced naval systems.

Value Assessment

Rating: fair

The contract value of $11.01M for engineering and logistics support appears reasonable given the scope of XLUUV testing and preparation. However, without more detailed cost breakdowns or benchmarks for similar complex unmanned vehicle support, a definitive value assessment is challenging.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was not available for competition, indicating a limited source selection. This approach may restrict price discovery and potentially lead to higher costs compared to a fully competitive environment. Further justification for the limited competition is needed.

Taxpayer Impact: Taxpayer funds are being used for advanced defense technology development. The lack of competition could result in a less efficient use of these funds if not carefully managed and justified.

Public Impact

Supports the development of advanced Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (XLUUVs), crucial for future naval capabilities. Funding allocated for critical testing and evaluation phases, ensuring system readiness. Involves specialized engineering and logistics services, requiring specific expertise. Contract duration extends over 1.5 years, indicating a sustained need for support.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition
Lack of detailed cost justification
Potential for higher costs due to sole-source award

Positive Signals

Supports critical defense technology (XLUUV)
Clear scope for T&E events
Firm Fixed Price contract type

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the Engineering Services sector (NAICS 541330), supporting the Department of the Navy's advanced unmanned vehicle program. Spending in this sector is often high due to the specialized nature of defense engineering and R&D.

Small Business Impact

The contract was awarded to Aktarius LLC, and there is no indication that small businesses were involved as subcontractors or partners in this specific award. Further analysis would be needed to determine if small business participation was sought or achieved.

Oversight & Accountability

The Department of the Navy is responsible for oversight of this contract. The firm fixed price structure provides some cost control, but the limited competition necessitates robust oversight to ensure fair pricing and effective performance.

Related Government Programs

Engineering Services
Department of Defense Contracting
Department of the Navy Programs

Risk Flags

Limited competition may lead to suboptimal pricing.
Lack of transparency regarding justification for limited competition.
Potential for scope creep or unforeseen technical challenges impacting cost.
No clear indication of small business participation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Defense awarded $11.0 million to AKTARIUS LLC. ENGINEERING AND LOGISTICS SUPPORT TO PROVIDE EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES TO SUPPORT XLUUV GOVERNMENT T&E EVENTS, IN-WATER TEST SUPPORT VESSEL CHARTERS, DELIVERY OF PSE, AND VEHICLE T&E PREPARATION ACTIVITIES.

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AKTARIUS LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Defense (Department of the Navy).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $11.0 million.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2024-06-14. End: 2026-01-16.

What is the specific justification for awarding this contract on a limited competition basis, and what steps were taken to ensure fair and reasonable pricing?

The justification for limited competition is not provided in the data. Typically, such awards are made when only one source is capable of meeting the requirement, or in cases of urgent need. To ensure fair and reasonable pricing, the agency should have conducted a price analysis based on historical data, other comparable contracts, or independent cost estimates. Without this information, the pricing cannot be fully validated.

How does the cost of this contract compare to similar engineering and logistics support contracts for advanced unmanned systems, and what is the potential risk of cost overruns?

Benchmarking this contract's cost against similar advanced unmanned system support is difficult without access to comparable contract data. The risk of cost overruns is moderate, primarily due to the limited competition. A firm fixed price contract mitigates some risk, but the complexity of the XLUUV program and potential unforeseen technical challenges could still lead to cost pressures if not managed proactively.

What is the expected impact of this contract on the overall readiness and capability development of the XLUUV program?

This contract is expected to have a positive impact on the XLUUV program by providing essential engineering and logistics support for government test and evaluation events. Successful execution of these T&E activities is critical for validating system performance, identifying and resolving issues, and ultimately bringing the XLUUV closer to operational deployment. The support ensures the program can progress through its development lifecycle.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Engineering Services

Product/Service Code: SUPPORT SVCS (PROF, ADMIN, MGMT) › PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: NOT AVAILABLE FOR COMPETITION

Solicitation Procedures: ONLY ONE SOURCE

Solicitation ID: N3943021R2311

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 243 SOUTHWOOD DR, PANAMA CITY, FL, 32405

Business Categories: 8(a) Program Participant, Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Limited Liability Corporation, Minority Owned Business, Native American Owned Business, Native Hawaiian Organization Owned Firm, Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $11,012,064

Exercised Options: $11,012,064

Current Obligation: $11,012,064

Subaward Activity

Number of Subawards: 1

Total Subaward Amount: $41,043

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES PROCEDURES NOT USED

Cost or Pricing Data: YES

Parent Contract

Parent Award PIID: N3943021D2206

IDV Type: IDC

Timeline